Section 13C — Family Law Act 1975: Court may refer parties to family counselling, family dispute resolution and other family services

(1) A court exercising jurisdiction in proceedings under this Act may, at any stage in the proceedings, make one or more of the following orders: (a) that one or more of the parties to the proceedings attend family counselling; (b) that the parties to the proceedings attend family dispute resolution; (ba) that one or more of the parties to the proceedings make use of children’s contact services provided by CCS businesses; (c) that one or more of the parties to the proceedings participate in an appropriate course, program or other service. Note 1: Before making an order under this section, the court must consider seeking the advice of a family consultant about the services appropriate to the parties’ needs (see section 11E). Note 2: The court can also order parties to attend, or arrange for a child to attend, appointments with a family consultant (see section 11F). (1A) The court must not make an order under paragraph (1)(c) that parties make use of children’s contact services at any time when CCS practitioners and CCS businesses may be accredited under the Accreditation Rules. (2) The court may suggest a particular purpose for the attendance or participation. (3) The order may require the party or parties to encourage the participation of specified other persons who are likely to be affected by the proceedings. Note: For example, the participation of children, grandparents or other relatives may be encouraged. (4) The court may make any other orders it considers reasonably necessary or appropriate in relation to the order. (5) The court may make orders under this section: (a) on its own initiative; or (b) on the application of: (i) a party to the proceedings; or (ii) a lawyer independently representing a child’s interests under an order made under section 68L.